Dream Act supporters protest Romney in O.C.

March 27, 2012

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

1 of 8

DREAM Act supporter Cesar Vargas of New York listens intently to a discussion about the DREAM Act in a park outside of Shady Canyon in Irvine where Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney was to speak. Vargas, who says he is undocumented, was among a small group of Latino activists who came to voice disapproval of Romney's policies. JEBB HARRIS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 8

DREAM Act supporter Erika Andiola of Mesa, Arizona talks about being a "Dreamer" or being undocumented in a park outside of Shady Canyon in Irvine where Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney was to speak. She was among a small group of Latino activists who came Tuesday to voice disapproval of Romney's policies. JEBB HARRIS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 8

DREAM Act supporter Pedro Ramirez of Los Angeles talks about the DREAM Act in a park outside of Shady Canyon in Irvine where Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney was to speak. Ramirez, who says he is undocumented, was among a small group of Latino activists who came to voice disapproval of Romney's policies. JEBB HARRIS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 8

DREAM Act supporter Cesar Vargas of New York talks to media about the DREAM Act in a park outside of Shady Canyon in Irvine where Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney was to speak Tuesday. Vargas who says he is undocumented was among a small group of Latino activists who came to voice disapproval of Romney's policies. JEBB HARRIS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 8

A handful of Latino activists in support of the DREAM Act came to a park outside of Shady Canyon in Irvine where Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney was to speak Tuesday. They carried signs to voice disapproval of Romney's policies. JEBB HARRIS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 8

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney arrives in a 7-car motorcade with a CHP escort at the gated community of Shady Canyon in Irvine at 11:53am Tuesday. The former Massachusetts governor was here to attend a fundraiser at the home of Michelle and David Horowitz. H. LORREN AU JR., THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

DREAM Act supporter Cesar Vargas of New York listens intently to a discussion about the DREAM Act in a park outside of Shady Canyon in Irvine where Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney was to speak. Vargas, who says he is undocumented, was among a small group of Latino activists who came to voice disapproval of Romney's policies. JEBB HARRIS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

IRVINE – A contingent of Dream Act supporters made a quick appearance Tuesday in Orange County to protest Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, who visited Shady Canyon for a fundraiser luncheon.

Five university graduates from outside Orange County — four who are in the country illegally — made a stop in the exclusive Irvine neighborhood before making their way to a larger Los Angeles rally expected to draw about 300 people advocating for the Dream Act.

The piece of legislation would give some students and military hopefuls who are in the country illegally a chance at legal residency. Romney has come out in strong opposition of the legislation, which has met failure several times — most recently during the 2010 lame duck session of Congress.

Ericka Andiola, a 24-year-old who graduated with a psychology major and is studying for the LSAT, said she traveled from Mesa, Ariz. to protest against Romney and was on her way to the L.A. rally.

"We're here to hold accountable those who oppose the Dream Act," she said.

Andiola left her native Jalisco, Mexico when she was 11 to come to the United States illegally with her mother.

Holding a sign that read, "Veto Romney not the Dream Act," she said she and others in her position have a lot to contribute to the United States.

President Barack Obama is in favor of the act but hasn't been able to do much on the issue under a Republican-controlled house.

Andiola said Republicans like Romney will lose the Latino vote because they are alienating them with their anti-illegal immigration stance.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.